We stand by the Occupy movement

The Occupy movement that has spread from Wall Street has electrified people across the globe. It has focused attention on the crimes of the financial elite, as well as raising profound questions about the way we live. This is a movement that resonates with millions across the world who agree that the "99%" are suffering while the "1%" enrich themselves. We therefore oppose utterly the recent attempts to criminalise and violently disperse occupiers in a string of US cities. This is a deliberate, co-ordinated process of trying to stifle protest. We note that Oakland mayor Jean Quan told the BBC that the move against Occupy Oakland came after a conference call "with 18 cities across the country who had the same situation". As the 1% comes together in an effort to crush the movement, the 99% must come together to defend it. We stand with the US Occupy movement and similar groups across the world. We are also appalled that the City of London Corporation has renewed its threat to take legal action against the St Paul's occupation. This well-planned occupation has encouraged debates everywhere about the bailout of the banks, the behaviour of corporations, environmental degradation and the future of society. It should be encouraged, not met by intimidation. It is hugely important that the occupation has made links with the trade unionists who will be on strike on 30 November and the students who continue to defend education. Already over 1,000 trade unionists have signed a petition to support the occupation . As part of the more general need to defend the right to protest, we pledge our support for the St Paul's occupation and oppose attempts to evict it. Hannah Dee Chair Defend the Right to Protest, Tony Benn , John McDonnell MP , Mark Serwotka General secretary, PCS Liam Burns NUS president Billy Hayes General secretary CWU Kevin Courtney Deputy general secretary, NUT Zita Holbourne BARAC and PCS NEC Leia Petty Wall Street Occupier George Monbiot Louise Christian Campaigning lawyer Lee Hall Playwright Alfie Meadows Activist Sara Bennett National executive, UNITE the union Nina Power Author & senior lecturer, Roehampton University Samuel West Actor Michael Kustow Writer and cultural activist Jonnie Marbles Comedian Mark Campbell UCU national executive & Save London Met Jennifer Hilliard Parents for Real Justice Maggie Mitchell Parent of imprisoned protester Steven Rose Emeritus professor of biology (neuroscience) Alberto Toscano Senior lecturer, Goldsmiths College Kanja Sessay NUS black students officer Mark Bergfeld NUS NEC & Education Activist Network Sean Rilo Raczka ULU VP Margaret Gordon Christian Khan Solicitors Susan Matthews Justice for Alfie Meadows Wail Quassim Student Dr William McAvoy Lecturer in English, University of Sussex Danielle Grufferty NUS Vice-president, Society & Citizenship